How to Keep a Pet Rat

Rats are very social animals and make great pets. They have personalities almost like little dogs. They are very hardy and easy to care for. This article will guide you through choosing a young rat, setting up his home, and basic care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Suitable pet housing
• Water bottle
• Hideaway
• Food dish
• Hammock
• Chew toys
• Lots of love

1. Set up your new friend's home. A ferret cage setup is ideal for adult rats. This gives them lots of room to move around and play. If you have very young rats, you may need a cage with smaller bar spacing. You will need a water bottle that attaches to the outside of the cage. A heavy food dish is best, because rats are pretty strong and they like to tip things and move them around. Your rats need a cozy place to sleep too. I like the little plastic igloos for this purpose, with some bedding or old towel inside. Rats love to climb around, so ladders and ropes from the bird section of the pet store make good cage additions. Just make sure don't place them so high that a fall would be harmful. A triangle litter box with some yesterday's news cat litter will complete the setup.

2. Choose your pal! This is fun and easy. Just pick the cutest and friendliest critter you can find, and make sure his eyes are clear and he is not sneezing repeatedly. Buy from a place that handles the animals a lot. The best place is usually an independent local breeder. If you choose to start with more that one rat, make sure they are the same sex or you will have a hundred rats in no time.

3. Place your new rat in his new home. Make sure he has good rat food in his dish and water in his bottle. Don't handle him for the first day, so he can become comfortable with his new surroundings. Feel free to watch him and talk to him, as this will get him comfy with you, too.

4. To pick up your rat, scoop them from underneath. Do not grab them from above, because they will think you are a predator and run and hide. If he is shy, give him a day or two more to relax in his new home. Keep him away from electrical wires and other hazards. Let him walk from hand to hand. Feed him little treats of fruit (not citrus) or healthy cereal. Pet him behind the ears, on the back, on the belly. Rats become cuddle bugs real quick, usually within a few weeks. They will come when they are called, and you can eve teach them tricks. It is hard to handle a rat too much, and they love the attention. Be gentle and have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• If your rat sneezes a lot, call the breeder, they can get you the right medicine.
• Consider a rat before other small animals. Rats are cute and hardy and rarely bite.
• If people get freaked out about rats, tell them you have a rare Bald Tailed Squirrel.
• Do not mix sexes!
• Love them a lot.
• Don't give them junk food.
• Don't give too many treats. Rats are piggies and will get fat quick.